The Life Of Teeth

Most of our body is formed by the time we are born. It grows and develops overtime but for the most part everything is there. Teeth are the exception. Teeth go through all sorts of interesting stages. From the teething baby, to the first lost tooth, through braces, wisdom teeth, and eventually decay, teeth have a lifecycle all their own.

Let’s take a look at the life of teeth.

Newborn

We are born with no visible teeth, but they’re there, growing beneath the gums. Teeth begin forming just six weeks after conception, and by the time we’re born our incisors have formed beneath the gums with the rest on the way. Occasionally babies are born with an impacted tooth but usually teething doesn’t begin until two to three months old. The first teeth to come in are those central incisors and they make their appearance starting at 5 months. Newborns should see a dentist before their first birthday.

Baby Teeth

Baby teeth aren’t just for chewing; they are important placeholders for adult teeth. If a baby tooth is lost prematurely the place for a permanent adult tooth will also be lost. Baby teeth begin to fall out between the ages of 6 and 7. The root of these teeth dissolves as the pressure from permanent teeth greatens. Eventually the root is so far gone that it no longer anchors the tooth to the bone and thus falls out. Meet Tooth Fairy. A permanent tooth will replace the gapped-grin in about 6 months time.

Adolescent and Teen Years

This is a really important time for teeth and oral health in general. Start healthy habits early by brushing twice a day and flossing once. Dentist visits should also increase to every 6 months. Two things often happen in this age span: braces and wisdom teeth. Teeth that are crooked, crowded, spaced or otherwise irregular will often be corrected with braces. Molars also come in around this time, with your first two sets fitting in with relative ease. The third set, known as wisdom teeth, are a different story. These days, our jaws aren’t large enough to accommodate that third set of molars. Wisdom teeth can become “impacted” which means they are wedged in sideways between jawbone and molars, causing pain, crowding, and even infection. They are removed to prevent pain and further trauma. If you think your wisdom teeth are impacted make sure to contact Private Dental Services right away.

Older Teeth

Teeth are not immune to time. Enamel wears down, cavities multiply, tooth decay occurs, and periodontal disease is a common threat. In short, teeth age. However, dental hygiene has improved over the years; the tools and techniques have advanced so far that if you take care of your teeth well enough you don’t have to lose them in old age.

Part of that dental care routine includes habitually visiting a dentist. Private Dental offers both general and cosmetic dentistry services. From biannual cleanings, to extractions, braces, and implants, Private Dental Services can treat all your dentistry needs. Schedule an appointment with us today!